In 2025, the Huskers avoided matchups with all three of the top conference opponents in Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon. You had home tilts against USC and Iowa, with the main road game coming against Penn State. Many considered this schedule much easier than in years past, but Nebraska failed to capitalize on it and went 7-6.
Here’s what the Huskers’ 2026 schedule looks like, toughest games, and reasonable expectations.
Huskers 2026 Schedule is Far From Easy
2026 Schedule:
Ohio (September 5)
Bowling Green (September 12)
North Dakota (September 19)
@ Michigan State (September 26)
Maryland (October 3)
Indiana (October 10)
@ Oregon (October 17)
BYE
Washington (October 31)
@ Illinois (November 7)
@ Rutgers (November 14)
Ohio State (November 21)
@ Iowa (November 27)
Schedule Analysis
The Huskers should have an easier non-conference schedule with two matchups between MAC opponents and North Dakota. However, you can’t overlook these games, especially against the Ohio Bobcats. The Bobcats have given multiple Power Five opponents issues, even beating Iowa State in 2023 and nearly beating Rutgers last season. North Dakota has given Nebraska issues in their only matchup ever. However, it should still be a win for the Huskers.
Now the conference schedule is where things get dicey. Kicking off conference play against the Michigan State Spartansdoesn’t seem so bad. However, going on the road is tough, and you will be facing Pat Fitzgerald, who has had Nebraska’s number back when he was the coach for Northwestern. Despite that, the Spartans have had a lot of top players enter the portal, and Fitzgerald has a tough rebuild ahead of him.
Looking at Maryland, the Terrapins opted to keep Mike Locksley as the head coach, and quarterback Malik Washington will be back for another season. They have done pretty well recruiting the DMV region, including landing a consensus top-five recruit, edge rusher Zion Elee. However, it has yet to come together to make Maryland competitive against the top teams in the Big Ten.
The matchups against the Indiana Hoosiers and at the Oregon Ducks will be absolutely difficult, but could be an opportunity to make noise. However, that is very unlikely against two National Championship contenders, one of whom is the reigning champion. The final five games are pretty difficult, especially with only one home game in November. However, there will be opportunities to get a couple of wins and potentially reach bowl eligibility.
It will be tough, but six wins could be achievable.
Top Five Toughest Games
1. @ Oregon Ducks
There are a lot of tough games on the schedule, but this is by far the toughest, given it’s on the road. This will be the Huskers’ first matchup against the Ducks since 2017, when Oregon took down Nebraska 42 to 35 at Autzen Stadium. The Ducks will be gunning for another shot at the national title, especially with star quarterback Dante Moore coming back for another season. Autzen Stadium brings a tough road environment, and it feels like an obvious Nebraska loss.
2. Indiana
The Curt Cignetti speed rebuild has been fun to watch, and now the Huskers get a chance to host them at Memorial Stadium. However, it still will be tough for Nebraska to get even close to pulling off an upset. The Hoosiers’ offense has been really tough to stop the past two seasons, especially with the talent at quarterback. Indiana will have former TCU standout quarterback Josh Hoover under center, and he should be able to lead the Hoosiers’ offense with ease. This is another obvious Nebraska loss.
3. Ohio State
Very rare you get to host two national title contenders, but that’s what it’s like to play in the Big Ten. The Huskers have gotten close to taking down the Buckeyes the last two times they faced off; however, it just feels like it won’t happen in 2026. Nebraska hasn’t beaten the Buckeyes since 2011, and it won’t this upcoming season either. Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Julian Sayin will be back for another season, along with star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who projects to be a top-five pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. The Huskers will have their work cut out for them.
4. @ Iowa
This rivalry series has been one-sided for the past decade. The Iowa Hawkeyes have owned the Huskers over the past 12 seasons, with Nebraska winning just two games against the Hawkeyes. The Huskers got completely outclassed by Iowa last season, with the Hawkeyes offense exploding for 40 points. Now, looking at the 2026 season, Iowa will have a new quarterback and a new look offense, but until the Huskers actually prove they can beat Iowa, this will be a loss.
5. @ Illinois
This is the third game in this list that is in the month of November. The Huskers have a rough November schedule with three of four games on the road, including a trip to Champaign. The Illinois Fighting Illini have been a solid team in the middle of the Big Ten standings. Led by coach Bret Bielema, the Illini have been a solid team and are tough to beat. Illinois had a “down year” in 2025 compared to 2024, but was still a competitive team down the stretch. This will be a tough road game for Nebraska, as the Huskers have won just one of the last five matchups.
HM: Washington & @ Michigan State
What Are the Expectations for 2026?
Nebraska always has high expectations. Sometimes it’s too-high expectations that have led to many disappointing seasons in the past decade. Coach Matt Rhule has been trying to get the Huskers back to their winning ways, dating back to the 80s and 90s.
However, the Huskers are far from that at this moment, and the 2026 schedule does not give them any favors. Nebraska will not have any weeks “off” with potentially six of the nine conference matchups against ranked opponents. It will be tough to get to bowl eligibility, but it is possible with the talent on the roster.
Fl0or: 4-8
Ceiling: 9-3
Way Too Early Prediction: 6-6
Main Photo: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images